FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about the internship. Please, don’t hesitate to call the Project Transformation office if you need any further information.

Summer Internship FAQs (note: subject to change as we monitor the spread of COVID-19)

• Is this a paid position?
• Yes. Summer interns receive a total compensation package of $15.20/hour with paychecks distributed on the 15th and the last day of the month. The first paycheck is issued on June 15th. As part of their compensation, interns also receive room and board.
• Can I take a summer class at the same time? Or work an additional job part time?
• No, Project Transformation summer interns must commit to full-time service. The time commitment to our program will not permit any class or part-time job.
• Do I get any time off?
• Yes, each week, summer interns have Friday evening – Sunday morning free.
• Do we get the 4th of July off
• Yes. We observe the July 4th holiday. Starting in 2022, interns will also have Juneteenth off.
• What if I don’t have a home church?
• Having a home church has no bearing on your participation as an intern. However, PT is strongly supported by churches throughout the Baltimore-Washington and Virginia Conferences of the United Methodist Church, and you may be linked to a partner church in the DC metro area to support you during your internship.
• What if my church can’t commit to all of the obligations set out in the Partner Church Letter of Commitment?
• Project Transformation staff will work with each intern and his/her partner church in order to fulfill the obligations.
• Does Project Transformation provide transportation to/from intern housing and the church sites?
• Project Transformation will designate one person to drive each team every day to the church sites. The driver receives mileage reimbursement from PT.
• Can I bring my musical instrument or art supplies with me?
• Yes, please do! Your instruments and art supplies will be a great asset to both the Bible study experience with your fellow interns as well as for the worship.
• Are housing and meals provided?
• Yes, interns live together in housing provided by Project Transformation. Self-serve breakfast items are available each morning, and lunch with the children is provided at each site on program days. Volunteer groups from our partner churches provide dinners on most evenings and stay to share in the fellowship with our interns. You are responsible for providing your own food Friday afternoon – Sunday lunch.
• Where will I live? Will I have a roommate?
• Interns lives together in community in a dorm. You will be assigned a roommate.
• What do I need to bring?
• Internship housing is in a college dorm. A complete packing list is provided upon your acceptance, but plan to bring bedding for a twin-size bed, bathroom supplies, casual clothes to wear each day at site (including gym shoes), at least one business casual outfit, swimsuit, and sunscreen. Optional items include a computer, stereo, musical instrument, and car.
• What items should I not bring for the summer?
• Do not bring mini refrigerators, microwaves, TV’s, DVD players, candles, or extension cords. Laptops, computers, printers, DVD’s, and CD’s can be brought at your own risk.
• Do I have to attend my site church worship service each Sunday?
• Yes. Attending church at your site is a great way to engage the congregation and be exposed to the complete urban church experience. This is also an opportunity to take on a worship role during by leading the children’s sermon, a prayer, music, etc. Your presence in the church service encourages our program’s participating children and youth to attend church as well.
• Can I bring my cell phone?
• Yes, cell phones are permitted. However, during program hours, the cell phone must not be used for personal calls, texts or other uses.
• Will I have Internet access?
• Yes.
• Can I get time off for weddings, special circumstances, etc? How should I request it?
• Taking additional time off is not encouraged because it disrupts our programming; however getting time off for special events is possible. You must make a request to the Project Transformation DC Program Director as soon as you know the dates. Time off is granted depending on the nature of the activity and adequate advance notice. We recommend that such requests are discussed during the interview process, whenever possible.
• Can my friends/family visit me at the house or program site?
• Yes, family and friends are encouraged to volunteer at the site. They also may tour your housing. However, it is important that intern housing be a place of community for the interns. We do not permit guests to stay overnight.